The question of how many calories are in a gummy shark fillet is one of clarification, as the term can refer to two completely different food items. A gummy shark fillet could be the boneless piece of fish from a species of shark known as the gummy shark, or it could be a piece of confectionery shaped like a shark, which is a sugar-based candy. The caloric value and nutritional profile of these two products are worlds apart.
The Real Gummy Shark Fillet (Flake)
The gummy shark (Mustelus antarcticus), often marketed as 'flake' in Australia, is a genuine species of shark that is consumed as seafood. The fillet is highly valued for its sweet, moist, and boneless flesh, making it a popular choice for dishes like fish and chips. As a natural, unprocessed fish, its nutritional content is excellent for a healthy diet, offering a high-protein, low-fat alternative to other meats.
Nutritional Facts for Gummy Shark Fillet
For a cooked, 100-gram serving of gummy shark fillet (flake), the nutrition facts are approximately as follows:
- Calories: 90-100 kcal
- Protein: 18-20 grams
- Total Fat: 1-2 grams
- Saturated Fat: ~0.2 grams
- Carbohydrates: Minimal
- Sodium: 60-70 mg
How to Prepare a Gummy Shark Fillet
To keep the calorie count low, consider these preparation methods for your gummy shark fillet:
- Baking: Place the fillet in a foil packet with lemon, herbs, and a splash of olive oil. This steams the fish to perfection.
- Grilling: Brush the fillet with a light marinade and grill it for a few minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Poaching: Gently cook the fillet in a flavored liquid, such as white wine or broth, which adds flavor without excess fat.
- Shallow-Frying: Use a small amount of a healthy oil, like olive oil, to pan-fry the fillet until golden brown.
The Confectionery Gummy Shark (Candy)
In stark contrast, a gummy shark is a type of candy, a sugary treat made from gelatin, sweeteners, and flavorings. These candies are pure confection and should not be confused with seafood. They are high in sugar and have a minimal protein count, with virtually no other vitamins or minerals.
Nutritional Facts for Gummy Shark Candy
Based on a typical product and serving size of 1.5 oz (approx. 43g), the calories and macronutrients are substantial, and the nutrition is poor. For a 100-gram serving, the numbers are much higher:
- Calories: ~336-396 kcal
- Protein: ~2-5 grams
- Total Fat: 0 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 72-90 grams
- Sugars: 46-78 grams
- Sodium: Minimal
Ingredients in a Gummy Shark Candy
A typical list of ingredients for gummy shark candy includes items like:
- Corn syrup
- Sugar
- Gelatin (beef or other)
- Sorbitol
- Citric acid
- Artificial and natural flavors
- Food colorings
- Carnauba wax
Gummy Shark Fillet (Fish) vs. Gummy Shark (Candy): A Comparison
The table below highlights the stark nutritional differences between a 100-gram serving of cooked gummy shark fish fillet and a 100-gram serving of gummy shark candy.
| Nutritional Component | Gummy Shark Fillet (Fish) | Gummy Shark (Candy) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories (kcal) | 90-100 | 336-396 |
| Protein (g) | 18-20 | 2-5 |
| Total Fat (g) | 1-2 | 0 |
| Carbohydrates (g) | <1 | 72-90 |
| Sugars (g) | 0 | 46-78 |
| Omega-3s (mg) | 150-200 | 0 |
| Sodium (mg) | 60-70 | 5-20 |
Conclusion: Clarity is Key
The final word on how many calories are in a gummy shark fillet is that context is everything. The real fish fillet offers a lean, high-protein meal with a very low-calorie count, making it a healthy dietary choice. The candy version, on the other hand, is a high-sugar, high-calorie snack with no meaningful nutritional benefits. Before consuming, it is crucial to determine if you are about to eat the seafood or the sugary treat to accurately understand its impact on your caloric intake.
To learn more about the nutritional composition of the seafood version, you can review data from official food standards authorities, such as this entry on shark fillets from Food Standards Australia New Zealand. The health implications and sustainability of catching real shark for consumption are separate considerations from the caloric intake, but they add further complexity to the topic.
Ultimately, a dieter or someone monitoring their calorie intake should exercise caution with the term. A misunderstanding could lead to a significant dietary miscalculation, highlighting the importance of knowing what you are putting into your body. Whether for a nutritious dinner or a sugary indulgence, the difference in caloric and nutritional content is immense.
